WOOD RIVER — From checking inspection scores to quickly refrigerating leftovers, a few simple tips can make a big difference in helping consumers avoid food-borne illnesses when eating out.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently sent out tips to avoid problems, and the Madison County Health Department recently updated its food codes, including criteria for restaurant inspections. The county department is also conducting ongoing training in the new requirements.

The CDC estimates that each year 48 million people get sick from a food-borne illness. Symptoms may take several hours to several days to develop, depending on the specific germ. The most common symptoms are: upset stomach, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

Most illnesses are mild, lasting from a few hours to several days. However, according to the CDC 128,000 people are hospitalized with food-borne illnesses each year, and about 3,000 die.

According to the CDC, several ways to avoid food-borne illness are:

• Check inspection scores: Many state health departments make restaurant health inspection scores available on the web. Check the score before going to the restaurant or check when you get there.

• Make sure the restaurant is clean: Confirm that restaurant tables, floors, and utensils are clean. If not, you may want to take your business elsewhere.

• Check that your food is cooked thoroughly: Meat, fish, poultry, and eggs should be cooked thoroughly to kill germs. If food is served under-cooked or raw, send it back.

• Properly handle your leftovers: Taking your food to go? Remember to refrigerate within 2 hours of eating out. If food is left in a hot car or temperatures above 90ºF, refrigerate it within 1 hour. Eat leftovers within 3 to 4 days.